How Do You Carry All Your Tech Gear?

[Chris Gohlke]

<p><img src="http://images.thoughtsmedia.com/resizer/thumbs/size/600/dht/auto/1230407236.usr10.jpg" style="border: 1px solid #d2d2bb;" /></p><p>Laptops, phones, MP3 players, cameras, gaming systems, etc.&nbsp; The dirty little secret of having a bunch of portable electronics is that even with some convergence, a lot of us still have too many items to just carry around in our pockets, necessitating even the manliest of us to carry some sort of bag.&nbsp; Since the ladies already carry purses for the most part, it is a challenge as a guy to find the right bag to carry all of our stuff.&nbsp; So I'm curious, how much stuff do you carry around on a daily basis and how do you carry it?&nbsp; I'll start off. <MORE /></p><p>Like a few of you, I've got a bag fetish.&nbsp; I've probably gone through 6 or 8 different bags before settling on the current one, a <a href="http://www.baggallini.com/product2.asp?product='MES160'&amp;Fabric='Ripstop'" target="_blank">Baggallini Messenger Bagg</a>.&nbsp; I've got a very similar bag from Eagle Creek that is a bit bigger, but I don't like the strap as much.&nbsp; Now, for the gear, starting from the left - eye drops, hand sanitizer, first aid kit, gum, notepad, green laser pointer, pen, 30 GB Zune and Shure earbuds, umbrella, 10 feet braided paracord and Niteize carabiner, leatherman, flashlight, sunglasses, Polaroid digital camera, Kensington wireless mouse, Bluetooth dongle, 8 GB Corsair Survivor, Acer Aspire One, wallet, Samsung Hue, and keys (with a Gerber Artifact and 1 GB Flash drive which is soon to be replaced by an Ironkey).&nbsp;</p><p>Down the right side are items I add for trips - Sigg water bottle (being replace by a Klean Kanteen, pencil case for various chargers and cables, Monster Outlets To Go, Acer Aspire power adapter, Hybrid rechargeable batteries and charger, and a quickpod.</p>

[Phronetix]

Chris,

Do you really carry around all the stuff, with the exception of the travel items, on a daily basis?

I presume you must commute. For me, on a daily basis, I carry:
iPhone
wallet
keys

That's it.

On trips, I carry considerably more:
Brenthaven Trek backpack (http://www.brenthaven.com/catalog-expandable-trek-burnt-orange-apple.html)
iPhone
V-moda vodaphones (http://www.v-moda.com/collection/modaphones/vibe%20duo.aspx)
iPhone bluetooth headset (http://store.apple.com/us/product/MB536LL/A?mco=MTIyNzA#overview)
iPhone usb sync/charge cable, the one that comes with the bluetooth headset
Griffin iTrip AutoPilot (http://www.griffintechnology.com/products/itripautopilot)
Wallet, keys, some OTC meds, passport, douments etc
MacBook Pro 15 inch
MacBook Pro Power Adapter
WD external drive, USB powered, containing video footage of my family, for editing if/when able
USB key, 1-4 GB, cheapest I can find, I am always just giving these things away.
Zip-linq retractable ethernet cable
Microfibre cloth for my glossy screens
Pouch with necessary toiletries in necessarily puny sizes, just in case.
Powerbars, Rebars, couple of each, gum, mints. The powerbars were seized by security last time I traveled. Apparently if I had opened them and has taken bites I may have got them through.
Pen, moleskine (http://www.moleskineus.com/reporter-pocket-plain.html)
Penlight, several dollars in coin, sunglasses in their case

That was time consuming. Now I know why you just snapped the photo. ;-)

[David Tucker]

I'll post a picture some other time but right now I use a Jansport messenger bag. I like it but its not really designed for carrying gadgets so its not very efficient with its space.

[doogald]

I don't carry more than my phone and perhaps my iPod in a daily basis, but when I travel it's with a Keen messenger bag. I like it a lot, with the only problem being that it does not stand up well. But that's really ok - it's got a nice compartment for my notebook, a big pocket for holding cables and stuff, a couple of external pockets big enough to hold a phone and an iPod, say, and the interior pocket of the bag, besides the notebook slot, has a big pocket to hold books, magazine, whatever. The strap is comfortable and thick, the bottom has recycled shoe rubber to protect the bag. I got it on sale at EMS last year.

It's something like this one: http://www.keenfootwear.com/product.aspx?p=597&pc=1665

[Chris Gohlke]

Chris,
Do you really carry around all the stuff, with the exception of the travel items, on a daily basis?


Yes, for to and from work and when visiting friends/family. No for going to the store/restaurants (unless I specifically want a computer at the restaurant).

I'm actually trying out a new bag http://www.countycomm.com/minebag.htm . I've been wanting a modular setup that would allow a small bag for day to day, but the ability to add more stuff easily. This bag will allow me to add components via MOLLE attachments for adding on the items that I don't need daily but do for travel. Next time we have this thread, I'll have an update on that.

[Brad Adrian]

Do NOT get me started on my ScottEVests! :)

[ctmagnus]

Daily: iPhone 3G, Treo Pro (I need categories and free/busy status), LOL-let, keys. I usually have the work blackberry with me as well because I am unable to do call forwarding from it for whatever stupid reason. Also usually: A Leatherman Micra, Sony Micro Vault Tiny, and bullet Space Pen. No bags, just pockets.

Work days: I also have either of my Sigg bottles if it's a full day of work or my Nalgene bottle (BPA? What's that?) if it's a half-day, my personal backup hard drive, the flash drive for work backups, possibly a large, red Moleskine Calendar (I have it 99% for the back pocket, in case someone decides to hand me a cheque. I hate having to cash wrinkled cheques.), travel mug in case I want to get a hot beverage from the place a few doors down, reusable shopping bags, travel packs of kleenex for when I'm sneezy, small Moleskine notebook that I keep my work lists in, Leatherman Juice, Victorinox Cybertool, and a Mini Maglite. Usually a Canon PowerShot G9. This is in an older Timbuk2 Commute.

Day trips: Daily stuff plus vehicle chargers for the phones, personal backup hard drive, reusable shopping bags, camera and whatever else I see fit to take with me. This is in a Timbuk2 City Guide.

Holidays: The day trip stuff plus maps, etc. in a Tom Bihn medium Cafe Bag.

[emuelle1]

When I'm out not working, I normally carry my Samsung Epix and my iPod Touch. If I'm at work, I also add my BlackBerry. I carry a lot of things in my Swiss Army backpack. For work, I carry all my data cords and chargers, my laptop and charger, my Redfly and charger, and whatever documents and books and magazines I have on hand. I also keep some common medications like Sudafed and Tylenol in my bag just in case. When I fly, I change everything over to my over the shoulder laptop bag since it's easier to get my laptop in and out at the TSA checkpoints.

I'm always looking at messenger bags thinking how cool it would be to have a smaller bag just to carry around a book my Redfly, and a few chargers when I'm running my wife around on errands.

[commishbob]

I'm another phone, wallet, keys guy.

I have a messenger bag (cheap, generic) that holds my Zune with earphones, pens, a flash drive and whatever book I'm reading but I don't always bring that with me, even to work. Some days I just stick my Zune in my pocket and take it to work and use a pair of earbuds I have there. I hate toting stuff around.

[townsendtribe]

I use a bag from TUMI called the Gear Bag. It carries everything I need without becoming bulky.

<img class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-180" style="margin-left: 5px; margin-right: 5px;" title="breakdown" src="http://www.james-townsend.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/12/breakdown-300x225.jpg" alt="breakdown" width="300" height="225" />

[Adam Krebs]

I love my tech gadgets, but usually I just keep a few on me at all times: my Zune, my iPhone, my wallet, my keys, and a pen. For school work or carrying my laptop (with a 15 inch screen), I've got a SwissGear Rival backpack that I got from Woot for $20. It's a really well made bag, and can carry pretty much whatever I need.

[Neil Enns]

Stuff that's always with me:

Wallet
Keys (which has a USB key on it)
Skeletool CX Multitool
T-Mobile Dash Smartphone

Stuff that is with me more often than not:

Zune 8GB + zune premium headphones

Stuff that commutes with me in a backpack to/from work:

Lenovo T61p laptop + power supply
Monster mini 4 plug power strip
REI umbrella (hey, I live in Seattle, it is a little misty here sometimes)
Fenix LED flashlight whose model number escapes me at the moment

[signothefish]

How close is that Baggallini Messenger to looking like a purse? I just can't see myself going into a grocery store with a "purse" on my shoulders, and the odd stares from some of the rural country folk I live around. If I could find something masculine enough, I might go for it. For now, I stuff my pockets:

* 2 medicine bottles (actually would like to carry 3 others as well)
* 3 sets of keys
* All my receipts
* Change
* Wallet w/ credit cards, money, health, license, etc
* Pocket knife
* Work badge
* Fingernail clippers
* USB drive
* MicroSD adapter
* Canister of Ice Breakers

With pants, the stuffed pockets aren't as noticeable, but they look like dumbo ears when wearing shorts. It also makes it pretty noisy when I come down the hall, especially the change.

The cell phone goes on my hip, and I simply carry my work laptop without any protection to and from my car. I'd also like to find a place to carry all my grocery and restaurant coupons so I won't keep losing them.

[gregh]

10 feet braided paracord and Niteize carabiner,

I'd love to know what you use this for during your day job!!!

Cheers,

Greg

[Chris Gohlke]

How close is that Baggallini Messenger to looking like a purse? I just can't see myself going into a grocery store with a "purse" on my shoulders, and the odd stares from some of the rural country folk I live around.

Here is a product picture in another color -

http://images.thoughtsmedia.com/resizer/thumbs/size/600/dht/auto/1234626734.usr10.jpg

That should give you a better idea of the look. For me and my wife it passed the purse test. I live in Tallahassee, FL, which isn't quite southern rural, but is certainly not a progressive urban environment either and have never gotten a comment, not that I would care anyway.

[Chris Gohlke]

I'd love to know what you use this for during your day job!!!

Never hurts to be prepared. :)

http://www.edcforums.com/ is a great set of forums totally dedicated to every day carry. There is some focus on concealed weapons, but there is a lot of good information and threads about just carrying daily gear. Plus a great place to get ideas for neat gear.

[dave_p_1]

Generally everthing I carry except my PC fits in my shirt and pants pockets. Since my PC is an OQO, it hangs on my belt.

To and from the office I use a Lowenpro Slim Factor S laptop bag. About the same size as the Baggalini but only two inches deep.

[signothefish]

Here is a product picture in another color -

That should give you a better idea of the look. For me and my wife it passed the purse test. I live in Tallahassee, FL, which isn't quite southern rural, but is certainly not a progressive urban environment either and have never gotten a comment, not that I would care anyway.

Thanks Chris! Can you tell me if the strap can be reversed so it goes over my left shoulder?

[Chris Gohlke]

Nope, the strap is integral to the bag and can't be removed.

[ucfgrad93]

For me, I carry my phone, wallet, keys on a daily basis.

[Rob Alexander]

It's great to see how everyone else carries things. It gives me good ideas.

I carry different bags for different purposes. My regular everyday bag is a Swiss backpack, which holds my laptop (when I bring it), books, files and a variety of pens, business cards, etc. It's really bigger than I need, but every now and then that comes in handy.

I always have my keys (with Photon LED light and Pico USB 4GB flash drive... both tiny), wallet, Leatherman micra and a Buff (http://www.buffwear.com/) in my pockets and my HTC Touch in a holster case on my belt. (I don't care if it's not cool any more; it works.)

When I travel, I use a Pac-safe Daysafe100 (http://www.pac-safe.com/www/index.php?_room=3&_action=detail&id=22) backpack and I put an Eagle Creek Drifter (http://www.eaglecreek.com/bags_luggage/carry-on_companions/Drifter-40391/) in the top with things I want at my seat on the plane. Then I pull the Drifter out and put the Pac-safe in the overhead compartment. The Drifter is also great for a casual trip out when you don't want an entire day pack. In the Drifter, I keep my Fujitsu Lifebook U820, a laptop Bluetooth mouse, a pen/stylus, a microfiber cleaning cloth, earbuds, passport, money, credit cards and a few toiletries like a small bottle of saline and a Blistex. (I don't carry a wallet when I travel.)

I also use the Drifter at home when I want to carry my Lifebook with accessories, though I usually take just the UMPC itself without the case.

[smashie2000]

This is most of what I carry when I'm working, I also take my R61e Thinkpad, HSDPA modem, power converter and battery charger.

http://www.linuxhippy.co.uk/images/EDK.jpg

[Brad Adrian]

This is most of what I carry when I'm working...
You need to invest in an LED version of your bulky flashlight. The new ones that take two AA batteries are just as bright as your huge one.

[smashie2000]

You need to invest in an LED version of your bulky flashlight. The new ones that take two AA batteries are just as bright as your huge one.

That one has an LED bulb in it! It gets a hell of a lot of use. That said I have been looking at the Fenix gear.

Cheers,

Mark

[Chris Gohlke]

You need to invest in an LED version of your bulky flashlight. The new ones that take two AA batteries are just as bright as your huge one.

However, those make great improvised weapons should the need arise.

[smashie2000]

However, those make great improvised weapons should the need arise.

I'm sure I have no idea what you are talking about ;)

I do work in some pretty rough areas, well for London anyway

[jgrnt1]

I have a Port rolling computer bag which holds everything except my iPhone 3G. It stays on my hip. I always have the bag with me when I'm working, whether in town or out of town. If I'm not working, the iPhone is the only thing I carry. The bag holds:

Lenovo Thinkpad T61
Targus universal power supply with several tips
Zen VisionM 60GB
Zen 32 GB with 16GB SDHC card
usb power supply
power supply for Zen VisionM 60GB
Kensington backup battery for iPhone
Canon Poweshot SD750
Plantronics Bluetooth headset and charging adapter in case
Logitech Quickcam Pro for notebooks
Western Digital My Passport Essential 250GB drive
5 usb flash drives
Zip-Linq retractable ethernet cable
retractable usb to mini usb cable
Shure E3c earbuds
video cable for Zen VisionM
3.5mm to dual RCA plug cord
3.5mm to 3.5mm patch cord
spare sunglasses
Leatherman multi tool
several pens, highlighters and a mechanical pencil
LED light
After typing this list, I looked at it to see if I really need all this stuff and, surprisingly, I use most of it every day.

In the trunk of my car, I have a gym bag with a bunch more stuff I use less often -- a 12V to 120V inverter, a KVM switch, a couple of VGA cables, a usb to DVI adapter, a DVI cable, a bunch of audio patch cords with different connectors, a pouch with a bunch of connector adapters, and other random stuff I don't recall and am too lazy to go out to the garage and look at. :)

[Tony Rylow]

I have a Targus backpack that I have my work laptop, a spare phone, thumb drive, ziplock bag with the normal cough drops, cold medicine, etc., headphones for my iphone, headset for my ip phone, lan cable, a notepad and pen, spare laptop lock from roadwired, led flashlight. iphone,keys, and wallet go in the jeans pockets. If I travel anywhere over the weekend, the backpack has enough room for a couple changes of clothes and extras.

[Jason Lee]

http://batcaveweb.com/uploaded_images/mygear08.jpg


Here is the junk I usually have with me on a daily basis. (work day that is)

The bottom row all goes in my pockets, tissues, wallet, pager (yes i still have a pager for work. I refuse to give them my mobile phone number.), hair ties for windy days, chapstick, 4gb flash drive, and my keys.

The rest I carry to and from work in a cheep swiss army bag I found at Target.
Redfly, my old cingular 8125 (for testing software), boxwave hard case for my TyTN II, Plantronics 855 bluetooth headset, PPCtechs adapter, lilsyc cable, USB wall and car chargers, stylus/pen/pencile, Dlink bluetooth USB (work computer doesn't have bluetooth), and an assortment of flashcard adapters and readers and my old flash drive. Oh and a water bottle. (don't drink the rust colored water at work.)

That is my kit.. other than my TyTN II which I used to take the picture. I probably could drop a few of the flash card apapters now as I don't use many of those cards any longer. :) I usually have my wired headset for my TyTN II in there but I think I forgot it at home. I cleaned out the bag for a weekend trip this past weekend. Must have missed them.


I used to carry a whole lot more junk around with me. Had an entire back pack full of stuff. I decided that I really didn't need most of that junk on a daily basis and forced myself to cut back. I should probably get rid of some of this stuff too. :)

I also have a Scott e-vest but don't use it as a "bag" very often. The weather is to random here and I still can't get into using it as a bag. When I go to lunch I really don't need to drag all this crap with me. :) That means I would have to load and unload it every day. The e-vest is champ though on trips and vacations. :D

[ntractv]

I have a 17" Targus Laptop Bag ( I had to pull out the divider so my notebook could fit) that carries:

Sony Vaio 18.4" notebook
Western Digital 500 GB external hard drive
80G Zune
Verizon Broadband Express Card
Samsung Omnia 8GB version (when not on my hip)
2 thumb drives
Flashlight
Checkbook
Spare Keys
Medicine
Letter size binder
Various adapters and cords

[Steve Jordan]

I use different bags, depending on how much I need to carry at any one time... I'm very selective about what gear I take with me and when.

Starting at the bottom, I just use jacket pockets... you can get a lot of gear into them, if you know how to arrange things. After that, I have a number of Eagle Creek bags for small collections of gear. Then a standard laptop bag, which I use for commuting. When I travel, a lot of my gear goes into my checked in or carry-on bag, plus the laptop bag, then I carry what I need day-to-day in the laptop bag.

What's most important is dealing with the small stuff. I found some wallet-sized black-mesh bags that I use to carry storage cards, iGear-type adapter heads, USB keys and adapters, jeweler's tools, mini-flashlights, spare batteries and any other small stuff I need... it makes it much easier to keep track of the little bits and pieces.

[Brad Adrian]

When all is said and done -- whether I use a bag, a vest, or whatever -- one thing has become painfully clear during recent months:

My aging body can no longer tolerate hauling all of my gear in a simple shoulder bag, especially while humping through airports!

It was with great trepidation that I bought a Wenger rolling computer case a couple of years ago. The first time I used it on a trip, I felt like an uber-nerd (and not in the good sense). I half expected all the "cool" travelers on my flight to punch me on the arm and deliver wedgies as I boarded the plane and walked the gauntlet down the aisle to my seat.

In the end, though, I realized that:

a) I wasn't the only nerd on the plane who uses a rolling bag.
b) My body thanked me the next day by not aching and spasming NEARLY as much as usual.

[Perfumes Lov]

I'm phone, wallet, keys guy.

I have earphones, pens, a flash drive and Zune in my pocket and take it to work. I hate toting stuff around.
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